JNU tweaks language of controversial invitation

The invite is for counselling on sexual harassment

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has modified the language of its public invitation for counselling on sexual harassment and removed the line "girls are suppose to know how to draw a tangible line between them and their male friends" that drew the ire of students and teachers.

The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the university had uploaded the invitation on JNU's website saying that it will organise counselling session on sexual harassment on January 17. It also said that such sessions will be organised on a monthly basis.

Under the subhead "why is this counselling session required", the contentious point has now been replaced with, "Boys will be counselled to clearly distinguish between friendship and behaviour that may be considered sexual harassment. Girls will be counselled how to avoid sexual harassment."

The move comes a day after National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma sought withdrawal of the "misogynist" circular issued by the university. Under the subhead "why is the counselling session required", the invite had said that it will make students aware about what consists of sexual harassment.

It also said that students are being counselled during the orientation programme and on the inception of each academic year.

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